GMC Sierra 2500
Though somewhat light on frills, the GMC Sierra 2500 is nevertheless a highly-functional work truck that lives up to its heavy-duty billing. Celebrated for its array of powerful engines, hearty 18,500-pound towing capacity, and strong off-road capabilities (particularly in AT4 guise), the Sierra 2500 offers just about everything you’d expect from a heavy-duty pickup. On the downside, some owners complain of a lack of popular tech features (particularly on lower trims) as well as lackluster fuel economy. Additionally, both Ram and Ford offer rival models with even more impressive towing capabilities.
Though somewhat light on frills, the GMC Sierra 2500 is nevertheless a highly-functional work truck that lives up to its heavy-duty billing. Celebrated for its array of powerful engines, hearty 18,500-pound towing capacity, and strong off-road capabilities (particularly in AT4 guise), the Sierra 2500 offers just about everything you’d expect from a heavy-duty pickup. On the downside, some owners complain of a lack of popular tech features (particularly on lower trims) as well as lackluster fuel economy. Additionally, both Ram and Ford offer rival models with even more impressive towing capabilities.
GMC Sierra 2500 Model Lineup
The heavy-duty Sierra 2500 slots between the Sierra 1500 and the heavy-duty Sierra 3500 in GMC’s lineup of full-size trucks. With room for as many as six individuals, the Sierra 2500 is mostly available in three cab sizes – Regular Cab, Double Cab, and Crew Cab – and two bed sizes – a 6.5-foot standard bed and an 8.0-foot long bed. Properly equipped, the Sierra can haul up to 3,760 pounds and can tow as much as 18,500 pounds.
Trims on the Sierra 2500 include the bare-bones base model (also known as the Work Truck, Sierra, or Sierra Pro), the mid-level SLE, the well-equipped SLT, and the luxe Denali. The off-road-ready AT4 joined the lineup for the 2020 model year. Since 2018, all versions have come equipped with a rearview camera and a 7.0-inch infotainment touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. However, most advanced safety and driver-assist features are optional or limited to higher trim levels, including parking sensors, lane-departure warning, blind-spot warning, forward collision mitigation, and a surround-view camera. Other notable upgrades include leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, a sunroof, a Wi-Fi hotspot, an 8.0-inch center touchscreen, and a wireless smartphone charging pad. Adaptive cruise control has not yet been made available.
The Sierra 2500 has utilized a handful of engines in recent years. From 2015 through 2019, the standard mill was a 360-horsepower 6.0-liter V8 mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. In 2020, it was upgraded to a 6.6 liter V8 producing 401 hp. Optional is a 6.6-liter turbodiesel V8 with 397 hp and 765 lb-ft of torque. It was updated for 2017 to produce 445 hp and 910 lb-ft, and it switched from a six- to a 10-speed automatic in 2020. Rear-wheel drive is standard, while four-wheel drive is an available upgrade on most trims. No electric or hybrid variants have yet been produced.
Popular Trims
GMC Sierra 2500 Owner Reviews
Average Rating for 2015
4.3
160 verified owner reviews
Top 2015 Reviews
Marlane T. from FL
Verified Owner · Sep, 2015
2015 GMC Sierra 2500 HD/3500 Crew Cab 2WD
I love this truck. It is my dream come true. I bought it to pull my horse trailer which is a 2 horse slant load which is another dream!! Love this truck!! I call it my Big Girl Truck being that I'm 57 and 5'2" lol. Thanks GMC.
Ralph A. from WA
Verified Owner · Jul, 2015
2015 GMC Sierra 2500 HD/3500 Crew Cab 4WD
This truck needs to have a tire pressure monitoring system available. Also, an optional rear seat fold-down, similar to that of the Yukon, should be available on the crew cabs.
Rex H. from GA
Verified Owner · Jun, 2015
2015 GMC Sierra 2500 HD/3500 Extended Cab 4WD
GMC 2500 SLE and SLT packages included in the towing package should be power folding large extendable Towing Mirrors! Not sold as an option or regular car mirrors!!!. On Heavy Duty trucks DESIGNED for towing, why would you not include one of the most important safety items in the package! My truck has towing mirrors, but they manually fold in, electric folding is an extra option. At min. at least include auto fold on your SLT packages with towing.
Ricky F. from AR
Verified Owner · Apr, 2015
2015 GMC Sierra 2500 HD/3500 Crew Cab 4WD
I would not trade it unless I was getting another one just like it!
Ron T. from CO
Verified Owner · Apr, 2015
2015 GMC Sierra 2500 HD/3500 Extended Cab 4WD
GM needs to work on color options for there 2500/3500 class trucks. Ford and Ram far exceed GM in this area. Two tone options would be great. The DEF tank needs better engineering for functionality off road and general apperance of the vehicle. GM failed with the DEF tank. The engineers were out to lunch when this tank was put on a 4wd hanging below the frame behind a front wheel. It is a known tactic you place your front wheel on the rock when crossing over it. The tank location and size limits the off road capability of this 4WD.
Mike B. from NC
Verified Owner · Mar, 2015
2015 GMC Sierra 2500 HD/3500 Crew Cab 4WD
Recommendation to complete out the Denali Model, tailgate lock should be controlled with the door locks. Just one of the little things that should be included. Sierra Denali should have some of the features found on other luxury brands. Proximity fob for keyless entry and possibly push-button start. Another big item that is missing is the tailgate does not lock when the doors are locked by the fob or by pressing the lock button inside the vehicle.
Dean S. from FL
Verified Owner · Mar, 2015
2015 GMC Sierra 2500 HD/3500 Crew Cab 4WD
Headlights are not good. For the money you spend on this truck you should have HID or LED headlights.
Kevin L. from PA
Verified Owner · Mar, 2015
2015 GMC Sierra 2500 HD/3500 Crew Cab 4WD
Excellent ride. A pure pleasure.
Kris W. from AR
Verified Owner · Feb, 2015
2015 GMC Sierra 2500 HD/3500 Crew Cab 4WD
The headlights are definitely a failure! Extremely dim... Very stressful to drive at night.